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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-08-2013 County Board Minutes MINUTES BOARD OF SUPERVISORS January 8, 2013 10:00 AM County Board Room - Government Center 1101 Carmichael Road, Hudson, Wisconsin CALL TO ORDER INVOCATION - RANDY SIMONSON, HARVESTIME OUTREACH CHURCH, HUDSON PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG ROLL CALL Attendee Name Title Status Arrived Travis Schachtner Supervisor Present Agnes Ring Supervisor Present Tim Hood Supervisor Present Daryl Standafer Chair Present Fred Yoerg Supervisor Present Buck Malick Supervisor Present Chris Kilber Supervisor Present Richard Ottino Supervisor Present Tom Hawksford Supervisor Absent Dave Ostness Supervisor Present Roger Larson Vice Chair Present Fred Horne Supervisor Present Ron Kiesler Supervisor Present Andy Brinkman Supervisor Present David Peterson Supervisor Present Joe Hurtgen Supervisor Present Brian Hurtgen Supervisor Present Duane Russett Supervisor Present William Peavey Supervisor Present CONSENT AGENDA (Unless separation of an item is requested, all will be adopted in one motion.) RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Andy Brinkman, Supervisor SECONDER: Travis Schachtner, Supervisor AYES: Travis Schachtner, Agnes Ring, Tim Hood, Daryl Standafer, Fred Yoerg, Buck Malick, Chris Kilber, Richard Ottino, Dave Ostness, Roger Larson, Fred Horne, Ron Kiesler, Andy Brinkman, David Peterson, Joe Hurtgen, Brian Hurtgen, Duane Russett, William Peavey ABSENT: Tom Hawksford 1. Minutes Approval 1. December 4, 2012 10:00 AM 2. Date of Next Meeting - March 5, 2013 - 9:00 a.m. 3. Rezonings 1. Amendments to St. Croix County Code of Ordinances Land Use and Development Chapter 17 Zoning Section 17.72 Rezoning Amendments - Udder Lee Dairy, Inc. Malick, who serves as the Chair for the Board of Adjustment, requested the record show passing this rezoning is no prejudgment about future conditional use of this property. PRESENTATIONS OR RECOGNITIONS None APPOINTMENTS Public Health Officer, Deborah Lindemann Thompson introduced Deborah Lindemann who was previously employed by the St. Croix County Public Health Department. Lindemann thanked the County Board and provided her job experience background. Thompson introduced Wendy Kramer who recently retired and thanked her for her many years of service. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Fred Horne, Supervisor SECONDER: Ron Kiesler, Supervisor AYES: Travis Schachtner, Agnes Ring, Tim Hood, Daryl Standafer, Fred Yoerg, Buck Malick, Chris Kilber, Richard Ottino, Dave Ostness, Roger Larson, Fred Horne, Ron Kiesler, Andy Brinkman, David Peterson, Joe Hurtgen, Brian Hurtgen, Duane Russett, William Peavey ABSENT: Tom Hawksford COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT Thompson reported strategic planning will continue in 2013 and resolutions coming before the Board should reflect the priorities of the County Board. Citizen survey will be sent out at the end of January. Thompson intends to refine the meeting management software by going into a phase II to expand what this software can do. Thompson highlighted Pay for Performance (P4P) status and noted the Committee of the Whole will meet on January 29, 2013 to get an update on county investments and will provide a full update on P4P. Thompson reported on revie wing capital improvements and long range planning for capital improvements. Thompson plans to refine space needs for the Government Center and bring back a plan to the County Board noting a need to reconfigure some departments and he will continue to monitor staffing. In 2013 Thompson plans to implement Result Only Work Environment (ROWE) and to bring back a Nursing Home Business Plan in the Spring of 2013. The property incentive program application process has begun for the Nursing Home. Thompson repo rted in March there will be a performance review of the County Administrator. Thompson introduced Liz Rohl the new Assistant Corporation Counsel. Rohl thanked the County Board and provided a brief job experience background. ANNUAL COMMITTEE AND DEPARTMENT REPORTS 1. 2012 County Treasurer Annual Report Ostness expressed concerns regarding office security as noted in the Treasurer’s report. Thompson assured review of security for the front offices in the Government Center. Ottino noted security issues o f offices with open counters. Comments from Risk Manager Kristen Ziliak regarding measures taken by the Safety and Security Committee noting lack of funding. Ottino requested security improvement details come to the County Board in light of the situation going on this country. Ziliak confirmed the request. Malick asked if tax deed property is being reviewed as potential use for the county. Campbell reported most parcels would not fit the need for county use. Malick asked if homes taken by tax deed wo uld be used as rental property or hold onto parcel that would possibly increase in value in the future. Campbell, Chair Standafer and Thompson indicated rental has not been done or property held for increase in value. 2. 2012 County Clerk Annual Report Ostness expressed his appreciation for the County Clerk and staff work on the 2012 marathon election process. OLD AND NEW BUSINESS 1. Resolution to Adopt The St. Croix County Outdoor Recreation Plan – 2013 - 2017 Overview provided by Ring noting this plan is a guide to development for parks and recreation in St. Croix County. On behalf of Community Development Committee (CDC), Ring thanked the citizens and staff for their work on this plan. Yoerg asked if bicycling lanes and pathways were part of the plan. Planning and Zoning Director Ellen Denzer explained in 2008 Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan was approved by the County Board. Discussion regarding ATV trails. Denzer reported the Plan addresses one off road trail but does not allow motorized vehicles except snowmobiles. Denzer indicated her staff is working with the ATV groups on what they hope to accomplish. Malick indicated there is some analogy between the loop trail with the Stillwater River Crossing and use of the Wildwood Trail for ATVs. Malick e ncouraged CDC to think proactively about what ought to be in place before the county would add the loop trail to our park system. Malick expressed concerns regarding maintenance and how to police the trail. RESULT: ADOPTED [15 TO 3] MOVER: Agnes Ring, Supervisor SECONDER: Travis Schachtner, Supervisor AYES: Travis Schachtner, Agnes Ring, Daryl Standafer, Fred Yoerg, Buck Malick, Richard Ottino, Dave Ostness, Roger Larson, Fred Horne, Ron Kiesler, Andy Brinkman, David Peterson, Joe Hurtgen, Duane Russett, William Peavey NAYS: Tim Hood, Chris Kilber, Brian Hurtgen ABSENT: Tom Hawksford 2. Resolution Authorizing the St. Croix County Community Development Department to Apply for 2013 - Lake Management Planning Grants RESULT: ADOPTED [16 TO 2] MOVER: Agnes Ring, Supervisor SECONDER: Travis Schachtner, Supervisor AYES: Travis Schachtner, Agnes Ring, Tim Hood, Daryl Standafer, Fred Yoerg, Buck Malick, Richard Ottino, Dave Ostness, Roger Larson, Fred Horne, Ron Kiesler, Andy Brinkman, David Peterson, Brian Hurtgen, Duane Russett, William Peavey NAYS: Chris Kilber, Joe Hurtgen ABSENT: Tom Hawksford 3. Resolution Supporting Development of a State Highway Maintenance Memorandum of Understanding RESULT: ADOPTED [17 TO 1] MOVER: William Peavey, Supervisor SECONDER: Dave Ostness, Supervisor AYES: Travis Schachtner, Agnes Ring, Tim Hood, Daryl Standafer, Fred Yoerg, Buck Malick, Richard Ottino, Dave Ostness, Roger Larson, Fred Horne, Ron Kiesler, Andy Brinkman, David Peterson, Joe Hurtgen, Brian Hurtgen, Duane Russett, William Peavey NAYS: Chris Kilber ABSENT: Tom Hawksford 4. Resolution to Promote Enhanced Intergovernmental Efforts and Best Use of Taxpayer Resources RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: William Peavey, Supervisor SECONDER: Tim Hood, Supervisor AYES: Travis Schachtner, Agnes Ring, Tim Hood, Daryl Standafer, Fred Yoerg, Buck Malick, Chris Kilber, Richard Ottino, Dave Ostness, Roger Larson, Fred Horne, Ron Kiesler, Andy Brinkman, David Peterson, Joe Hurtgen, Brian Hurtgen, Duane Russett, William Peavey ABSENT: Tom Hawksford 5. Resolution Urging State Legislators to Vote in Favor of Transportation Dollars for Transportation RESULT: ADOPTED [17 TO 1] MOVER: William Peavey, Supervisor SECONDER: Dave Ostness, Supervisor AYES: Travis Schachtner, Agnes Ring, Tim Hood, Daryl Standafer, Fred Yoerg, Buck Malick, Chris Kilber, Richard Ottino, Dave Ostness, Roger Larson, Fred Horne, Andy Brinkman, David Peterson, Joe Hurtgen, Brian Hurtgen, Duane Russett, William Peavey NAYS: Ron Kiesler ABSENT: Tom Hawksford 6. Resolution Adopting Changes to the Fund Balance Policy Ottino requested explanation. Finance Director Tabatha Hansen explained during the 2013 budget process, the Health and Human Services (HHS) budget was changed to reflect a more realistic budget noting the most fluctuation is in the placement area. The 2013 HHS budget was based on the average for the last three years. Administration recommends funds be set aside for restricted use for potential year -end cost overruns for designated programs. Thompson indicated t he fund balance amount and designated program areas will be monitored. Discussion regarding placements. Kiesler stated there is no way to predict placements and expenses involved. Hood explained his negative vote from the Administration Committee meeting and feels a separate fund is not necessary and placement should fall under the General Fund. RESULT: ADOPTED [14 TO 4] MOVER: David Peterson, Supervisor SECONDER: Joe Hurtgen, Supervisor AYES: Travis Schachtner, Agnes Ring, Daryl Standafer, Buck Malick, Dave Ostness, Roger Larson, Fred Horne, Ron Kiesler, Andy Brinkman, David Peterson, Joe Hurtgen, Brian Hurtgen, Duane Russett, William Peavey NAYS: Tim Hood, Fred Yoerg, Chris Kilber, Richard Ottino ABSENT: Tom Hawksford 7. Resolution to Authorize the Sale of Vacant County Land and Assign Proceeds to Create a Separate Capital Projects Fund Chair Standafer explained last month there was a pending amendment and then a motion to postpone this item to this January 8, 2013 County Board meeting. There was a mot ion to adopt the resolution and a motion to amend by inserting “as directed by the Board” into line 27 of the resolution. Thompson summarized the resolution and discussions with all standing committees since last month’s County Board meeting. Thompson explained this addresses the expansion needs of the emergency communications operation (911) and also addresses the future replacement of very expensive equipment that is housed within the emergency communication center noting the need to replace within the next two to three years. Thompson reported the HHS facility houses approximately 125 employees. This does not include the Nursing Home building. In 2010 a resolution was passed by the County Board to vacate the HHS building. Thompson reported this is not a new issue and presented past studies regarding facility needs. Review of how much land to keep noting research has shown 30 to 37 acres is more than enough land with 10 acres for a new building, 10 acres for expansion and 10 acres for a buffer, in addition to the existing cemeteries. Consultants have concurred this is adequate land to accommodate an infrastructure. Thompson addressed the question of minimum price for the land. Staff met with licensed realtors and licensed auctioneers. Auctioneers Barry Hager and Tim Prusak were present. Thompson indicated the County is not under a contract with either individual. They are providing advice to the County Board today. Hager highlighted his background and his recent sales and closings in the area. Hager reviewed the process explaining the difference between “absolute auction” and “reserve auction”. Hager indicated “absolute” means there is no minimum and no reserve, and must be advertised as absolute, meaning there is no debt on the property. Hager indicated a vast majority of land sold is absolute and he promotes it strongly. Review of determining the minimum price. Hager recommends no appraisal as the auction is the true fair market value and he is confident the auction process will yield the most money. Thompson indicated if the decision is made to sell the land, staff is recommending proceeds not be applied to retire debt, but apply proceeds towards capital improvement projects. Hansen provided scenarios on proceeds usage noting the proceeds will not fully fund the 911 project. Review of options presented by Administration. Option 1: Sell land, use proceeds to reduce old debt ($4.8 million) and borrow 100% for capital projects; Option 2: Sell land, keep old debt ($4.8 million), borrow less for capital projects; Option 3: Do not sell land, keep old debt and borrow 100% for capital projects. Staff recommends borrowing less for capital projects which has the greatest impact on reducing the mill rate. Chair Standafer reviewed the pending a mendment from the December meeting noting the amendment was a motion by Malick, 2nd by Peavey. Malick confirmed the amendment allows the County Board to approve the specific expenditures. Malick requested the word stricken in his amendment be put back and add “as directed by the Board” to the end of the paragraph. Chair Standafer asked if there were any objections to the change. No objections were made. Horne reported the City Council for the City of New Richmond met January 7, 2013 and decided to not partake in any purchase of this land. Horne indicated he recused himself last month from voting on this matter and now intends to vote. Vote on amendment passed: Yes - 15; No - 3. Travis Schachtner - D1 voted: N Agnes Ring - D2 voted: Y Tim Hood - D3 voted: Y Daryl Standafer - D4 voted: N Fred Yoerg - D5 voted: Y Clarence Malick - D6 voted: Y Chris Kilber - D7 voted: Y Richard Ottino - D8 voted: N Tom Hawksford - D9 was absent Dave Ostness - D10 voted: Y Roger Larson - D11 voted: Y Fred Horne - D12 voted: Y Ron Kiesler - D13 voted: Y Andy Brinkman - D14 voted: Y David Peterson - D15 voted: Y Joe Hurtgen - D16 voted: Y Brian Hurtgen - D17 voted: Y Duane Russett - D18 voted: Y William Peavey - D19 voted: Y Horne suggested retaining an additional 180 acres referencing parcels A - J on a map provided by Horne. Motion by Horne, 2nd by Malick to amend the resolution by reducing the acreage in line 19 from 500 to 320, or a lower number based on acreage calculations, and change the word “map” to “maps”. Discussion regarding parcels located along the highway and marketing this property with the assistance of the State of Wisconsin for businesses to locate in this area. Horne feels there would be a higher return of investment than selling as agricultural land. Yoerg asked why this wouldn’t happen through the auction process. Discussion regarding working with the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) to develop this land. Chair Standafer recognized EDC Director Bill Rubin who explained the Ready, Set, Build! initiative developed last year which provides a short list to developers where “shove-ready” properties are available for development. Discussion. Vote on amendment failed: Yes - 4; No - 14. Travis Schachtner - D1 voted: Y Agnes Ring - D2 voted: N Tim Hood - D3 voted: N Daryl Standafer - D4 voted: N Fred Yoerg - D5 voted: N Clarence Malick - D6 voted: N Chris Kilber - D7 voted: N Richard Ottino - D8 voted: N Tom Hawksford - D9 was absent Dave Ostness - D10 voted: N Roger Larson - D11 voted: Y Fred Horne - D12 voted: Y Ron Kiesler - D13 voted: Y Andy Brinkman - D14 voted: N David Peterson - D15 voted: N Joe Hurtgen - D16 voted: N Brian Hurtgen - D17 voted: N Duane Russett - D18 voted: N William Peavey - D19 voted: N Thompson indicated a total of 37 acres w ill be retained by the County. Ostness does not feel this is a sufficient amount of acreage. Kiesler expressed concerns there is no plan to fund the nursing home as approved by the County Board. Ostness asked if the auxiliary buildings were included as part of the demolition and clean-up of the HHS buildings and asked Corporation Counsel if this language could be added to the resolution and questioned if the house located on the property could be sold rather than demolished. Thompson stated he would take that into consideration. Ostness expressed concerns regarding usage of the Community Room for Emergency Communications and three offices, noting he is leery to put an 8 - 10 million dollar investment to an area that is susceptible to a tornado. Emergency Support Services Director Casey Swetlik stated the best example is Washington County’s set up noting its location on the second floor of a multi-million dollar complex. Swetlik indicated he has discussed this with architects and this is what the industr y is recommending. Discussion regarding estimated costs. Swetlik confirmed Phase I estimates are $1 - $1.5 million and Phase II is estimated at $5 million. RESULT: ADOPTED AS AMENDED [10 TO 8] MOVER: David Peterson, Supervisor SECONDER: Travis Schachtner, Supervisor AYES: Agnes Ring, Tim Hood, Daryl Standafer, Fred Yoerg, Buck Malick, Chris Kilber, Andy Brinkman, David Peterson, Duane Russett, William Peavey NAYS: Travis Schachtner, Richard Ottino, Dave Ostness, Roger Larson, Fred Horne, Ron Kiesler, Joe Hurtgen, Brian Hurtgen ABSENT: Tom Hawksford COUNTY CLERK'S REPORT OF CORRESPONDENCE AND REZONING REQUESTS None ANNOUNCEMENTS Chair Standafer reported he will be attending the Wisconsin Counties Association Planning Committee on February 5th and encouraged County Board members to provide him with topics for this meeting. Chair Standafer indicated the Committee of the Whole will meet January 29, 2013 at 9:00 a.m. ADJOURNMENT